Iyengar yoga

Iyengar yoga is the most widely practised yoga in the world. It is accessible for anyone. Regular practice increases suppleness, strength and stamina, improves posture and concentration and quietens the mind to promote well-being.

The Iyengar yoga technique emphasises precision and alignment, and quality of movement is prioritised over quantity. You learn to move with ease in your body while working within your limitations. This makes yoga poses (asanas) safe to perform.

Yoga poses are held longer than some other styles, allowing tight muscles to lengthen and relax, and helping to focus awareness. Yoga props such as blankets, blocks and belts may be used to help if you have any difficulties.

The practice is progressive, building a stable foundation before attempting more demanding work. Beginners start with standing yoga poses and are gradually introduced to a fuller range of sitting and reclining yoga poses, forward extensions, inversions, twists, backbends and arm balances.
No two yoga classes are the same: teachers select yoga poses from the different groups of poses to emphasise the various aspects of the practice.